A Fuyuhiro Tantô (若狭大掾冬広)

This rare and powerful tanto was crafted by the 5th generation Fuyuhiro, who worked during the Momoyama Keichô period (1596~1615) in Wakasa province – a coastal territory that today forms the southwestern portion of Fukui prefecture on the Sea of Japan. Born Takahashi Gorôzaemon, Fuyuhiro was the son of Sôshû Hirotsugu, who took over the school when the 4th generation relocated to Bitchû province. The honorary title Wakasa no Kami was granted to him on December 10, 1598, but out of deference to Kyôgoku Takatsugu – lord of the Obama fief, who bore the same title – he set it aside and took the more modest rank of Wakasa no Daijô. Fujishiro rates him as chûjô-saku, an above average swordsmith.

Standing at nearly 30cm, this long and wide tanto in hirazukuri shape carries a bright, shining ko-gunome hamon on a darkish jigane and a pointed bôshi that flickers like a candle flame. The bulbous funagata nakago speaks directly to the famed Sôshû heritage of the school – a form traditionally associated with the Masamune Hôchô masterpiece and faithfully carried through the many generations of the Fuyuhiro line from the late Muromachi into the shintô and shinshintô periods. Both sword and koshirae have been awarded NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification.

What truly elevates this piece is its spectacular Edo wakizashi-koshirae, centred around a brilliant fuchi-kashira signed by master metalsmith Miyata Nobukiyo gloriously depicting parents and cubs of tigers and leopards in gold against a dark ground. The saya is lacquered in polished togidashi-makie with swaying bamboo in the wind – the fûchiku no zu – while gold tiger menuki guard the handle and a finely carved unsigned tsuba depicts bamboo leaves in high relief. The koshirae itself carries its own NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate, issued separately from that of the blade – a distinction that speaks to the quality of this mounting.